Founded in 2008, Arts of Point Richmond (AOPR) is today a group of over 100 visual artists and writers in the Point Richmond, California area. Among AOPR is a group informally called the Photographers Group. Some have extensive professional training and years of experience, while others have become photographers more recently. However, we all share a great enthusiasm for the photographic medium. For several years we’ve met regularly for photo tours and to share and critique our work. When artists share their work and ideas the interaction stimulates the creative process.
Since March of this year, we’ve been unable to meet personally to share our work. Not only have we been faced with the tremendous challenge due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, we’ve been confronted by the dangerous health conditions of the wildfires, the stressful political situation of this election year, and many other social and political issues. To keep the creative spirit of our group alive and vibrant, we’ve held monthly meetings via ZOOM to share our work. In addition, we’ve chosen monthly themes based on interesting nearby locations that offer varying photo opportunities. Many have ventured out to these locations and others have stayed home or in their studios.
The images in this book represent our members’ personal visions of dealing with the challenges of our time. The work incorporates the themes and ideas we chose. We’re all excited about this project and hope you enjoy it as much as we did in creating it.